30/11/2016

Belle Toujours

Servini’s

Steak of the Art

Sponsored post in partnership with American Express®

I love finding new places to eat and shop – places I feel comfortable in, or that offer great, individual, unique products or services. There are so many great options, near every village, town and city that we sometimes overlook them, either because we don’t know they exist, or they’re located slightly off the beaten track.

They often offer unique signature products or services, providing that special something, which keeps me going back. It’s nice to walk into a salon where they know your name and make you feel at home, or a restaurant where they know the meal you love, or even where you like to sit. All these things can really give you a sense of belonging to your city/town/village. I think it’s so important to support small businesses.It’s great that we are given choices because of these people and the services they want to provide for us.

We’re coming up to Small Business Saturday this week, a day when people across the country are encouraged to get out support their local small business. That’s why I’m working with American Express – founder and ongoing supporter of the initiative – to bring you a few of my favourite independent businesses in Cardiff.

Best friend’s dog grooming

Established for nearly eight years, and run by two highly trained groomers, you and your dog will always get a warm welcome here. They offer animal holistic therapy, which great choice if you have a particularly nervous dog. It’s such a great way of keeping your dog looking its best and it’s a lovely experience for them too.

Moksh

Chef Stephen Gomes is renowned for his pioneering take on traditional Indian recipes, experimenting with food science in his dishes. A love of liquid nitrogen alone ensures that diners can expect vapours and clouds of spices. The Chicken Bang Bang is a Goan Xacutti recipe of 21 ingredients together with peri-peri devilled sauce and Trinidad scorpion or Naga chillies. Indian food is one of my favourite cuisines, full of spice and flavour.

Belle Toujours

Belle Toujours is a unique hair and beauty concept that boasts an exclusive hair studio, barber shop, beauty salon and spa. Arranged over three floors, the elegant surroundings will transport you away from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering the very best in all-round sensory indulgence. Their Top-to-Toe treatment is a great way to get ready for an evening out and includes a four step hair treatment, blow dry, gel manicure and a pedi shape and polish. I’ve already booked my next session.

Steak of the Art

The restaurant has an ever changing gallery of art combined with a menu that stands out from the herd, delivering a unique dining experience in an electric and artistic atmosphere. The locally sourced Welsh black fillet steak is one of my favourites. I love that the chef works closely with local butchers and breeders to offer me good food that supports local farmers.

Bunch of Grapes

The creative chefs at this restaurant make the most of local produce. Their meats are sourced from farms within a 30-mile radius, vegetables are either grown in their own kitchen garden or for them on a farm in nearby Abercynon, fish is line caught from sustainable sources off the coasts of Wales and Cornwall and bread is baked fresh every day. Don’t miss the signature Fish & Chips.

Servini’s

Wyndham Arcade has been home to small businesses since it opened in 1887 and Servini’s is proud to have been part of that legacy for over fifty years. They serve freshly cooked food, amazing coffee and offer a cosy, comfortable environment to enjoy it all in. Their Welsh cakes are the stuff of legends! Grab one, sit outside in the vintage arcade, and watch the world go by.

deAO toys

deAO toys is an established local company with a vast array of their own-brand toys. Their most popular items are their range of remote control cars; they even have a digger – a great idea for a gift. This shop is packed full of great products that provide hours of fun.

Bear Strength

Bear Strength is a Cardiff based sportswear company that makes all of its clothing here in the UK. They go to great lengths to provide a personal shopping experience that stays with you. I love their hoodies – great for exercise or just wearing about town!

Building up a selection of places I enjoy visiting makes life easier and so much more fun. Supporting small businesses is important to me and means they get to keep giving us unique options and lovely life experiences.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about some of my favourite small shops. If this has inspired you, visit amexshopsmall.co.ukto find out more about ‘shopping small’ and get some more ideas for your Christmas shopping.

What’s more, if you’re an American Express Cardmember you could be rewarded for supporting your local high street. When you spend £10 or more in a single transaction using your American Express Card, at participating small business during the campaign period (3 to 18 December 2016) you will receive a £5 statement credit There is no limit to the number of participating businesses you can receive your £5 statement credit – however, you can only claim it once at each small business., terms apply.

Promoter: American Express Services Europe Limited has its registered office at Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9AX, United Kingdom. It is registered in England and Wales with Company Number 1833139 and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

23/11/2016

It’s that time of year again.A chance to grab a bargain for the christmas shop. Beauty products, beautiful accessories ans more. I’ve added lots of lovely links here to make things a little easier for you. I’ve so many favourites. Fingers crossed I get a few for Christmas.
Happy shopping guys xx Dawn

22/11/2016

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So excited to share with you a new way to shop my instagram. Just click the image you like and you’ll see all the things I’m wearing. Every item listed is ready to be shopped.
In just one click your online shop can be completed.No need to search the internet… I’ve done that for you.
All you need to do is click on the picture you like and a new page will open up with all the products listed. Click on each to be directed straight to the product page.
Most things are exact but sometimes they aren’t available so I will try and find something similar to get the look.It’s so simple and hassle free. No need to sign up. Just click and shop.
You can always keep up to date with every look via my shop page above – click shop my insta

20/11/2016

I do love winter nudes. Warm and glowing against the skin for a delicate winter look. Teaming it with daytime dem is nice too. I love a lace cami and denim jeans. Subtle chic dressing. Layering with cardigans and coats is perfect. Cardigans are oe of my favourite wardrobe staples. I love throwing them on. So easy to wear. Having something versatile is so important. As i always say I love getting full use out of the things I buy. I certainly do with these key pieces I’ve included in ths outfit. Year after year I can always rely on these pretty winter nudes to brighten up my day.

Shop my wardrobe

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Shop Lace cami’s here

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Shop my denims here

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15/11/2016

I#ve always been crazy about lace. When it comes pretty and delicate I’m even happier. And when I can pair it with denims ten I’m in heaven. Dressed it down here with a long line cardigan but it’s fabulous with skirts and trousers too. Check out my instagram for more pics of how I styled it on my night out last week. I’m slowly getting ready for the festive season. I can’t believe it’s almost upon us. It only feels lie summer ended. Are you getting ready… planning outfits for parties and celebrations is so exciting. I’m loving all the gorgeous velvets, lace and sequins
. I’ve listed a few of my favourite things on my wish list below.

Shop my wardrobe

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Shop my faves

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Shop my insta

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